Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found on earth found in nearly all rocks and soils. It is used as fuel for nuclear power plants and the nuclear reactors that run naval ships and submarines. It can also be used in nuclear weapons.
Depleted uranium is used in military applications, including as a shield to protect against ionizing radiation, as armor in military vehicles, in munitions to help them penetrate enemy armored vehicles, and as a counterbalance on helicopter rotors.
Uranium can be ingested through the lungs, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and can be absorbed through the skin. Uranium can stick to plant roots so unwashed root vegetables are a primary source of uranium in the diet. However, Brazil nuts are also found to have high levels.
The majority of uranium that is inhaled through the lungs or ingested through the GI tract is not absorbed and leaves the body through the feces. However, water-soluble sources of uranium being ingested may lead to kidney problems.
As a result, the kidneys are the most impacted organ system by uranium exposure, both chronic and acute. The primary mechanism of uranium toxicity is direct damage to DNA from alpha particle interactions. Therefore, uranium may also cause chromosomal abnormalities. The main manifestation of uranium exposure is cellular depletion of antioxidants and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as increased oxidative stress. Altered genomic stability and increased oxidative stress are hallmarks of aging. As a result, uranium intoxication may disrupt many biological processes which could lead to the risk of accelerated aging and developing age-associated conditions.
Uranium
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